Guinness and Onion Soup With Irish Cheddar Crouton

From Foodnetwork.com and Micheal Chiarello. I love french onion soup and this sounds like an amazing twist for St. Patty's Day.

• Ready In: 1 hr 20 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 2  tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 5  garlic cloves, minced
• 8  cups onions, thinly sliced
•  gray salt
• 1  tablespoon fresh thyme leave, chopped
• 1⁄4 cup sherry wine vinegar
• 1 1⁄2 cups dark beer (recommended ( Guinness)
• 6  cups  beef stock
• 6  slices  country bread, cut 1/2-inch thick and toasted
• 1⁄2 lb cheddar cheese, sliced thin (recommended Irish Cheddar)

Directions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add garlic and cook briefly to release aroma. Add onions, season with salt and cook for about 5 minutes stirring often. Reduce heat to low and cook for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions are golden brown.
2. Add the thyme, vinegar, and beer. Reduce beer by half and add the beef stock. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 more minutes.
3. Preheat the broiler. Transfer soup to an ovenproof serving dish or individual ovenproof soup bowls. Top with toasted bread slices and sliced Cheddar. Broil until cheese melts and starts to brown slightly. Serve piping hot.